Looking for something comparable to the Andre De Villiers Butcher

Deinos

Deinos

Joined
Feb 7, 2016
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Was looking for a new traditional with a "thick" style, and the Andre De Villiers Pocket Butcher caught my eye. Did some research and noticed the maker does not necessarily have a great reputation when dealing with customers, unfortunately; so, I have decided to steer clear of that specific knife.

So, my question is, is there anything out there with a similar feel (stubby look, broad blade, etc.) that is at a similar price point or less? Fine with a different blade steel as long as the quality is there. The aesthetics are what really draw me to it.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
 
What about a Kroo Chunky Frank (Willem O'Kelly)?
 
/\/\ Ahhh. Beat me to it!

I've never really paid much of attention to that market, but k roo comes to mind. I don't know much about the maker other than that he is based in S. Africa(I believe), but I definitely recall seeing some chubby little knives coming from him.
He'd be worth a look.
 
He also makes some Fantastic looking clip points, I just love the shape and swedge he uses.
 
Tbh, I would be open to a more traditional style as well with those kind of proportions, blade shape and size, etc. Does someone like Queen, GEC, Northwoods, etc. make something like that? I am pretty new to the traditional slip joint market, so most of my exposure has been lurking this part of bladeforums and salivating at the traditionals marketplace here.
 
So I was not familiar with Andre De Villiers work until I just looked him up. His work seems rather unique, I am not sure if the more traditional cutlers make anything all that similar, though I certainly could be wrong. However, there are some chunky designs that GEC has produced in the past, shown in the photos below. The #36 Sunfish comes to mind, as does the #45 and #46, Lumberjack and Whaler. Keep in mind that they only came with a spear point blade, that I am aware of, and they currently are not being produced, though you might find them on the Exchange.

Case also made the Elephant Toe which is of a similar style to the GEC offerings, but I do not know if it is currently being produced or not.

Other than that, you might be looking at more custom work, which is a field I am still feeling out myself. I certainly hope you find what you are after, please let us know if you find something that strikes your fancy.

GEC #36 Sunfish


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GEC #45 Lumberjack


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GEC #46 Whaler


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Some of Willems' knives:
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I am sure he could make you exactly what you want. As I am sure any of the makers here can do.
One to fit your ADV Butcher suggestion:
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far! Those GEC patterns look nice too. Too bad they are no longer available.
 
Deinos said:
Thanks for the suggestions so far! Those GEC patterns look nice too. Too bad they are no longer available.
Click to expand...

I don't spend a lot of time on the Exchange. However, I will offer up the same advice that others have given me: If you aren't in a hurry, you might see the GEC's being offered up periodically.

I don't know how popular of a pattern these particular ones were though.

You might be able to scoop up a Case Elephant Toe as well elsewhere. Here is a pic of an old, well used one that my biological dad showed me the other day.


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These are some very excellent suggestions so I'm probably not adding much of anything but maybe look into an old (or new GEC) rope knife. They are sturdy and relatively thick compared to most other slipjoints, they will also likely cut much better than the andre de villiers butcher.
 
Rough Rider made a large Sunfish for a while. I found one for sale at a truck stop, (smooth tobacco bone) and bought it for a backup.
I think the only Rough Rider large sunfish available from the online retailers now is the Zombie Nick.
Frost also makes a large Sunfish under their various lines, with jigged bone.
Both the Rough Rider and Frost are two blade knives.
I don't own a Frost, so I cannot comment on their quality. I do know the Rough Rider are of very high quality. High value for the money.
 
Most everything has been mentioned - Another option for you to consider is the Schatt & Morgan Cotton Sampler.

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A.g. Russell also has a few discontinued models. Though they are rather hard to come by.
 
Damn, lots of great suggestions and feedback here across a lot of different styles and price points. Will probably pick up something in a sunfish pattern or cotton sampler to see if i like the size/style and then move up to One of the higher end suggestions if those suit me.

Was able to find a good site for older patterns that are out of production on GEC's list of dealers (can't mention here as they are not an affiliate, but it was easy enough to find). Was able to discover a lot of similar patterns easily. Not sure my wallet will be able to handle all of this info ;-)

Thx again for all of the great suggestions and input!
 
There is a great looking Fighting Rooster up for grabs in the exchange right now.

There also was a K'roo chunky frank with this look.

And if you skew a bit more modern there's the bean cleaver from Serge Panchenko
 
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